Main benefits of rainwater harvesting
Significant economic, social and environmental benefits can be achieved by using rainwater.
By using Rainwater Harvesting systems to supply water for some, or indeed all of our requirements, you can reduce your dependence on mains water. Our water supplies are falling and water restrictions are in place in many communities to reduce our overall water usage and protect our supplies.
There is no better quality water available naturally than rainwater. Some say there are health benefits to using rainwater which is not treated with chemicals like our mains water is.
Rainwater falls for free – once you have installed a rain harvesting system, you use less mains water and can reduce your water bills. Governments and Water Boards will increase water prices as they look to recover the true costs of providing water to the community.
The cost to the community to supply mains or reticulated water services is becoming more expensive every year. The construction of dams, pipes and treatment plants is huge and ultimately as tax and rate-payers, we foot this cost.
Rainwater Harveting reduces the significant damage to our creeks, water habitats and organisms caused by stormwater runoff.
Some Australian State Governments have introduced legislation mandating new standards of energy and water efficiency ratings that must be incorporated into new dwellings. Local administrators have also introduced guidelines for safe water usage systems.
Yarra Plastics Pty Ltd develop a range of products that can be used in conjunction with roofing, gutters, downpipes and rainwater tanks to provide complete rainwater solutions.
Other reasons for using rainwater
Out of necessity
- Mains water is not available to your property
- To collect water to help fight bushfires and protect the home
- To satisfy Council requirements to collect rainwater from sheds or garages
- To ensure a backup for other water supplies
To save money or qualify for rebates
- To store water at an economical cost
- To save money on your water bills
- In some other areas, Councils have introduced cash-back rebate plans for those who install a rainwater tank
- The cost of water is already high and it is set to rise substantially in the near future as Councils and Water Boards move to pass on the true cost of water to the community
To meet new regulations
- In some suburbs, new houses are now required to install a rainwater tank of a certain capacity
For health reasons
- You see the value in pure fresh natural rainwater
- You do not want chemicals added to your drinking water
- You wish to drink pleasant tasting water
- Your water supply is salty or hard, has odours or contains heavy metals
- You consider rainwater better for your family’s health and you want to take control of what your family drinks
For environmental reasons
- To prevent the impact of stormwater run-off on the local environment
- You understand that rainwater is good for the garden
- To become as independent as possible, for either philosophic or environmental reasons, or both